The Enemy Within by Sayeeda Warsi A Tale of Muslim Britain

Warsi is at her best delivering a withering polemic on the flaws in government rhetoric and policy on extremism and multiculturalism....Disappointingly, Warsi’s personal relationship with identity, however, is skimmed over in the book...
-Guardian

'Hard headed, well informed and intellectually coherent ... it turns conventional wisdom on its head. It deserves to promote a public debate on this subject which has been needed for more than 20 years' Peter Oborne Britain has often found groups within its borders whom it does not trust, whom it feels have a belief, culture, practice or agenda which runs contrary to those of the majority. From Catholics to Jews, miners to trade unionists , Marxists to liberals and even homosexuals, all have at times been viewed, described and treated as 'the enemy within'. Muslims are the latest in a long line of 'others' to be given this label. How did this state of affairs come to pass? What are the lessons and challenges for the future - and how will the tale of Muslim Britain develop? Sayeeda Warsi draws on her own unique position in British life, as the child of Pakistani immigrants, an outsider, who became an insider, the UK's first Muslim Cabinet minister, to explore questions of cultural difference, terrorism, surveillance, social justice, religious freedom, integration and the meaning of 'British values'. Uncompromising and outspoken, filled with arguments, real-life experience, necessary truths and possible ways forward for Muslims, politicians and the rest of us, this is a timely and urgent book. 'This thoughtful and passionate book offers hope amid the gloom' David Anderson QC, Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation 'A vital book at a critical time' Helena Kennedy QC

Guardian

Reviewed by Leila Aboulela
on
Apr 20 2017

This book is not a memoir, but Warsi’s personal experience in and out of government gives it richness and vitality. It is as enjoyable to read about her devout, enlightened mother as about the pivotal points in her political career.

Guardian

Reviewed by Afua Hirsch
on
Apr 03 2017

Warsi is at her best delivering a withering polemic on the flaws in government rhetoric and policy on extremism and multiculturalism....Disappointingly, Warsi’s personal relationship with identity, however, is skimmed over in the book...